Cittakarshini, Cittākarṣiṇī, Citta-akarshini: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Cittakarshini means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

The Sanskrit term Cittākarṣiṇī can be transliterated into English as Cittakarsini or Cittakarshini, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

Alternative spellings of this word include Chittakarshini.

In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Cittakarshini in Shaktism glossary
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (shaktism)

Cittākarṣiṇī (चित्ताकर्षिणी) refers to one of the sixteen goddesses of attraction (ākarṣaṇa or ākarṣiṇī) to be installed on the petals of the sixteen-petalled lotuses, according to the Kāmasiddhi-stuti (also Vāmakeśvarī-stuti) and the Vāmakeśvaratantra (also known as Nityāṣoḍaśikārṇava).—[...] Verses 15 and 16 [of the Kāmasiddhistuti] venerate sixteen goddesses of attraction (ākarṣaṇa) and eight powers of the bodiless love-god, respectively, all in personified forms.9 We know from the Vāmakeśvaratantra and other Tripurā texts that these [i.e., Cittākarṣiṇī] are installed on the petals of the sixteen- and eight-petalled lotuses.

Source: Shodhganga: Saudarya Lahari of Sri Sankara A Study

Cittākarṣiṇī (चित्ताकर्षिणी) refers to one of the fifteen Guptayoginīs who reside in the Sarvāśāparipūrakacakra which represents one of the nine Āvaraṇa-Cakras of Śrīcakra (the nucleus of Tantric philosophy) which are related to the fifteen-lettered chant called Śrīvidyā, according to Śaṅkarācārya’s Saudaryalaharī.—By the worship on Śrīcakra, the Goddess (whose presence is represented is Śrīcakra) will get awakened. This is the beginning of the spiritual consciousness in man. The nine Cakras in the Śrīcakra are called āvaraṇacakras.—Ṣoḍaśāra is called Sarvāśāparipūrakacakra and is white in colour. There sixteen Guptayoginīs [e.g., Cittākarṣiṇī] who bless this zone. [...] Tripureśī is the presiding deity here.

Shaktism book cover
context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

Discover the meaning of cittakarshini or cittakarsini in the context of Shaktism from relevant books on Exotic India

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